§ 27. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will order a departmental inquiry into the practice known as asset stripping.
§ Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will initiate a study of the incidence of asset stripping by which financiers acquire commercial and industrial undertakings with a view to closing them down for their site value, with a view to seeking powers to enable him to protect the interests of manufacturing in such circumstances.
§ Mr. NobleNo I think it right that, broadly speaking, resources should be employed in a rational and economic manner, as the market dictates. I am not aware that rationalisation is currently being carried out in an irresponsible manner.